The two-time Champions League winning boss has recruited Armenian playmaker Henrikh Mkhitaryan from Borussia Dortmund for £26 million and super Swede Zlatan Ibrahimovic on a free transfer - two players who will raise the bar at Old Trafford - insists Ferdinand.

"He's (Jose Mourinho) made good signings early in the transfer window and players that can ignite a changing room through their own talent and their own worth from what they've done in their careers," said the former England international.

"That says to the other players, 'Right prove to us why you're here', so the standard then goes up. That's what used to happen over the years at Man United and why the level of consistency was always there."

If United manage to complete the signing of former academy star Paul Pogba from Juventus in a record-breaking deal the Red Devils will be tipped to win their first league title in four years.

Since Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement in 2013, United have finished seventh, fourth and fifth in the Premier League, after lifting the trophy 13 times under the Scot.

Ferdinand, who won the title six times during his 12 years at the club, believes Mourinho has restored self-belief at Old Trafford and is convinced a new era of success is on the horizon.

"I went to the Wayne Rooney testimonial and just seeing the lift he's (Jose Mourinho) given the place and the belief that seems to be coming back into the building," said Ferdinand.

"It just felt like something was kind of stirring while I was there - that's the vibe I got. If that's the case - Man United win the league."